The University is gearing up for a bigger and bolder comeback, eyeing a two-peat feat across three World University Rankings. Following its debut in these prestigious rankings last year and earlier this year, the Task Force, organized and led by the Center for International Relations and Continuing Professional Development Services (CIRCPDS), convened for a Post Evaluation Meeting and Orientation on September 18 at the JD Seminar Hall.The Task Force, led by CIRCPDS Director Zyra Mae T. Tumala, focused on key indicators where the University performed well and identified areas needing improvement with corresponding evidence. During the meeting, the chairpersons of various indicators presented their post-evaluation reports.The team is optimistic about elevating last year’s global standing of 481st and national rank of 8th in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, highlighting the availability of certain evidence and recent progress in the University’s infrastructure and other assessment areas.The University is strategically planning to submit its data for the upcoming UI rankings in October, while also preparing for the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings and the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), where it earned spots in its debut participation.In his virtual message from Congress, CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza expressed confidence that the University will succeed once again in the rankings, emphasizing the tangible improvements made across its fourfold functions. He stressed that this recognition not only brings honor but is also part of the University’s broader efforts in internationalization, innovation, and contributing to the global sustainable development goals, with CatSU leading the way.
The days of left-handed students at Catanduanes State University being left without suitable seating are coming to an end, as this morning, September 18, Alpha Phi Omega (APO) turned over 50 armchairs designed for left-handed students to the university officials."Most students are used to right-handed chairs, and we even celebrate Left-Handers Day, we at APO initiated this project to make left-handed students more comfortable and to promote inclusivity. This reflects our commitment to service," shared Engr. Renderizzah Floralde, an APO Zeta Nu member and alumna of CatSU.Another APO Zeta Nu member and fellow CatSU alumna, Luz R. Jubay, expressed that this donation is a way to give back to the institution, which was the first fraternity to be recognized in the campus. She also noted that the project aligns with APO's fourfold service: service to the campus, service to the community, service to the chapter, and service to the nation.Dr. Gemma G. Acedo, Vice President for Academic Affairs, extended her gratitude to the donors. She shared that the chairs will be distributed equally across all colleges, with more chairs expected from APO."Thank you for always supporting our university," Dr. Acedo said, joined by Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs Engr. Benjamin Hannycel T. Nuyda, Executive Vice President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., and other key officials.This effort aligns with House Bill No. 8654, passed in 2018, which would mandate that all public and private educational institutions provide appropriate armchairs for left-handed students. The measure states that “it shall be obligatory for all educational institutions, both public and private, that make use of armchairs in the classroom to provide the appropriate armchairs for left-handed students equivalent to at least 10 percent of the student population.”
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Center for Island Climate Change Solutions (CICCS) is spearheading an international initiative aimed at enhancing the resilience of coastal communities in the Philippines. The project, titled “Contextualizing Disaster Resilience in Archipelagic Environments: The Case of Catanduanes, Eastern Philippine Seaboard (C2C),” has secured funding from the UK-based global safety charity, Lloyd’s Register Foundation. This significant achievement is led by Engr. Dexter Toyado, Director of CICCS, Mr. Aljon Francis Koji Elegado, Director of the Abaca Technology Innovation Center, and Dr. Deborah Tangunan, a Department of Science and Technology 2024 Balik Scientist Awardee who is currently based in the University College London Department of Earth Sciences.The C2C project, to start this October, is part of the Lloyd’s Register Foundation Turning the World Risk Poll into Action program, which funds initiatives that translate findings from the 2021 and 2023 World Risk Polls into tangible action to improve the safety of people around the world. These polls highlighted the vulnerability of communities in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines, to natural hazards. The project’s primary focus is on Catanduanes, an island province in the Philippines that is highly susceptible to climate-induced disasters such as typhoons and floods.The Philippines, despite facing frequent disasters, displayed high resilience in the 2021 World Risk Poll. The C2C project will build on this by focusing on Catanduanes, an island highly susceptible to typhoons and other climate-related hazards. The project will compare existing World Risk Poll data with new data generated through the initiative, aiming to understand how local resilience is shaped by factors such as geography, livelihood, and gender dynamics. This approach will play a crucial role in enhancing local and national government initiatives, enabling evidence-based decision-making for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.One of the key aspects of the C2C project is the integration of existing data from the 2021 and 2023 World Risk Polls with new data generated through the project. This will provide a comprehensive understanding of the specific vulnerabilities and resilience factors in Catanduanes. The project’s approach includes gathering resilience data from communities within Catanduanes, particularly focusing on the abaca and fishing industries, which are vital to the local economy. Additionally, risk maps will be developed for the region, incorporating local predictors of resilience alongside geologic hazard data such as landslides, flooding, and storm surges.The project will also emphasize the importance of training and capacity building in disaster risk management. By integrating local and indigenous resilience practices, the project aims to enhance the community’s understanding and perception of risk. Furthermore, the project’s outcomes will be shared with a broader audience through strategic communication and engagement efforts. This includes open-access publications, presentations at scientific conferences, and tailored outreach programs that will engage stakeholders at various levels.The C2C project is designed to serve as a testbed for disaster resilience strategies that can be adapted and implemented in other regions with similar geographic challenges. By focusing on multi-hazard preparedness, the project is expected to make a significant contribution to disaster risk reduction not only in Catanduanes but also in other vulnerable areas within the Philippines and beyond.The outcomes of the C2C project will be translated into actionable policy recommendations in collaboration with local government units and non-governmental organizations. These efforts aim to improve disaster preparedness by developing more effective strategies, early warning systems, and evacuation processes, ultimately reducing disaster-related fatalities and injuries. In addition, the project seeks to build safer communities by improving infrastructure resilience, protecting homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure from the devastating effects of climate-induced disasters.This project’s significance extends beyond the borders of the Philippines. The findings and methodologies developed through the C2C initiative will provide valuable insights that can be applied to disaster resilience efforts in other vulnerable islands and regions worldwide. By addressing the unique challenges of archipelagic environments, the project aligns with the charitable mission of Lloyd’s Register Foundation, which is dedicated to engineering a safer world through innovative and evidence-based interventions.The 2021 and 2023 World Risk Polls emphasize the urgent need for multi-hazard preparedness, particularly in regions like Southeast Asia, where communities face complex and interrelated risks. By focusing on these high-risk environments, like Catanduanes, the C2C project is poised to make a meaningful contribution to global disaster risk reduction efforts. The project’s success will not only benefit the communities of Catanduanes but will also offer a model for building resilience in similar regions around the world.Nancy Hey, Director of Evidence and Insight at Lloyd’s Register Foundation, said: “The World Risk Poll is the first global study of worry about, and harm from, risks to people’s safety. It provides unique insights into safety challenges worldwide, particularly in areas where little or no official data exists. Through initiatives like the C2C project, Catanduanes State University is contributing to the Foundation’s efforts to foster safer and more resilient communities across the world.”
Hundreds of students of the National Service Training Program, together with their teachers, joined hands in a campus-wide cleanup activity under the ‘4 O'clock Habit Dengue Prevention’ campaign as a measure to curb the dengue incidence. The volunteer-students were able to collect sacks of solid waste around the campus and destroyed the mosquito breeding sites on August 22, 2024. Prior to the cleanup activity, the Medical and Dental Unit of the university conducted a lecture to raise awareness on how to fight against dengue and the things to do when infected. “We would also like to emphasize the 5S plan, which includes search and destroy mosquito breeding areas, self-protection measures, early consultation, fogging to prevent epidemics, and hydration,” the Medical and Dental Unit wrote on their request letter regarding the conduct of the said activities. “Active engagement and commitment to this habit will be critical in ensuring the health of our school community,” they added.
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Personal na pumunta sa Appropriations Committee ng kongreso si Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza nitong Agosto 26, 2024 upang mapondohan ang panukalang isang bilyong pisong Smart Campus project sa Catanduanes State University.Nakausap ni Dr. Azanza si Cong. Elizalde Co, Chairman ng komite, na nagbigay ng positibong tugon at tiniyak ang suporta para sa proyekto ng CatSU.“I am very happy that no less than Appropriations Chairman ‘Zaldy’ Co assured me that he will support my proposed Smart Campus Project, and it will be on top of the regular budget of CatSU,” saad ni Dr. Azanza sa kaniyang Facebook post.Dagdag pa ng Pangulo na madali aniya silang nagkaintindihan ng technical staff ng appropriations committee ukol sa proyekto dahil sa kaniyang natapos na post-doctoral program sa Massachusetts Institute of Technology- Institute of Data, Systems, and Society (MIT-IDSS) na Data Science and Machine Learning. “Naalala ko ganito din ang ginawa nating effort dati para sa PhP300 million coliseum (MICES Building) project na ngayon ay under implementation sa loob ng CatSU Campus,” pagtatapos ng CatSU president. Sa huli, nagpaabot ng pasasalamat si Dr. Azanza kina Ako Bicol Party-list representatives Cong. Elizaldy Co at Cong. Alfredo ‘Pido’ A. Garbin Jr dahil sa patuloy na suporta nila sa CatSU. #PadagosNaPatanos
[𝗣𝗔𝗚𝗕𝗔𝗧𝗜] Ipinakita ng mga delegado mula sa Catanduanes State University (CatSU) ang husay nito sa ika-12 Taunang BIOTA Bicol Chapter Convention at Scientific Sessions na ginanap noong Agosto 24-25, 2024, sa Bulwagang BUño Student Union Center, Bicol University, Legazpi City.Nilahukan ng mga eksperto, propesor, at mag-aaral mula sa buong Rehiyon ng Bicol, layunin ng pagtitipon na itaguyod ang siyentipikong pananaliksik, palakasin ang kolaborasyon, at pagbutihin ang mga metodolohiya sa edukasyon sa larangan ng siyensya.Kabilang sa mga tampok na bahagi ng kumbensyon ang Youth Biologists Forum (YBF) Poster Presentation, YBF Paper Presentation, BioTalks, at BioTaktik, kung saan nagwagi ang mga delegado ng CatSU.Nakamit nina Melchor Borromeo, Eddie Bernacer, Mark Keenan Gianan, at Luis Emmanuel Macero ang unang pwesto sa YBF Poster Presentation para sa kanilang pag-aaral na pinamagatang “Diversity and Health Status of Corals in Northern Catanduanes Island, Philippines.”Pumangalawa sina Jericho Obierna, isang alumnus ng BSES Program at kasalukuyang kontraktwal na guro sa Natural Science Department, at ang kanyang grupo para sa poster na pinamagatang “Limnological Faunal Composition and Perceived Ecological Impacts of Quarry Activities at the Pajo-Sto Domingo River System in Virac, Catanduanes.”Samantala, nasungkit nina Kyle Alastair Arcilla, Aramarie Arcilla, Aira Banas, at Ara Mae Daroya ang ikatlong pwesto para sa kanilang pag-aaral na “Quantification of Microplastics in the Cuts and Muscles of Rabbitfish (Siganidae).” Ang mga poster ng pananaliksik na ito ay kapwa may-akda ni Prop. Ma. Cecilia T. Arcilla.Nakatanggap din ng sertipiko ng partisipasyon sina John Rod Cabida, Rialyn Fe Icamen, Cristine Angela Icaro, at Ms. Maricon G. Vargas para sa kanilang pag-aaral na “New Geographical Distribution Record of Nepenthes graciliflora in Panganiban 75, Catanduanes Luzon Island, Philippines.”Sa Professional Category ng YBF Poster Presentation, nanguna sina Bb. Karmela I. Del Rosario, isang alumnus ng MAT Biology Program ng Graduate School, at si Prop. Ma. Cecilia T. Arcilla para sa kanilang pag-aaral na “Microplastic Pollution in the Sediments of Cabugao Bay, Catanduanes Island, Philippines.”Pumangalawa si Bb. Maricon G. Vargas, isang guro ng BSES Program, sa YBF Paper Presentation para sa kanyang pag-aaral na “Ecological Parameters Influencing Herpetofauna Diversity and Distribution in Mt. Buktot, Catanduanes, Luzon Island, Philippines.”Nakamit din ni Bb. Esther Duchess Bien De Leon, isang alumnus ng MAT Biology Program, ang ikatlong pwesto sa YBF Paper Presentation kasama ang kanyang tagapayo na si Prop. Abelisa D. Evangelista.Nagpasalamat naman si Pangulong Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza sa lahat ng mga delegado na nagbigay ng karangalan sa unibersidad. Ayon sa pangulo, ang kanilang tagumpay ay patunay ng pagsisikap ng CatSU sa paghahatid ng mataas na kalidad ng edukasyon sa mga larangang ito. #PadagosNaPatanos
The long-awaited Speech Laboratory project is now moving forward, as Catanduanes State University (CatSU) President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza announced on July 24, that the bidding for the said project has been completed.“Ang speech laboratory na ito [ay] may software at headsets na maririnig mismo ng CatSU students ang kanilang sariling pronunciation ng mga English words at mamo-monitor din ito ng kanilang teacher at matutulungan silang magkaroon ng neutral accent,” Dr. Azanza wrote in his social media post and added that the delivery and installation of the new facility are scheduled for this semester.He likewise emphasized that this project is a key component in the establishment of the English Language and Speech Communication Center (ELSCom).Now led by Director Reashiela Khan, ELSCom is focused on enhancing the communication skills of CatSU students.Director Khan expressed her appreciation to President Azanza for securing the funding necessary to bring the project to fruition. She noted that the laboratory will also support research and interventions for students with speech impediments, aiming to boost their self-confidence and communication abilities.“I am very much excited to have the speech facility because of the opportunities to send the students and faculty members outside the country. This will prepare them to learn foreign language, which is a requirement before you can enter your target country,” Khan said.She also mentioned that the speech lab will be equipped with software that supports five languages, including Russian, Mandarin (Chinese), and English.For Cendy Toledana, an incoming second-year Bachelor of Arts in English Language student, the new lab will be invaluable for enhancing language learning and comprehension.“The laboratory will significantly improve our skills and talents in the field of language,” Toledana remarked. See less
Nasungkit ni Kate S. Guerrero, mag-aaral mula sa Kolehiyo ng Edukasyon na nagpapakadalubhasa sa Filipino, ang titulong ‘Best Research Paper Presenter’ sa katatapos lamang na ‘LIRIP 8: Pandaigdigang Kumperensiya sa Filipino’ na ginanap sa Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), Pili, Camarines Sur. Ang pamagat ng kanyang pananaliksik ay ‘Paglilikom at Pagsusuri ng mga Kuwentong Bayan ng Baras, Catanduanes.’ “Iba ang danas at umaapaw ang naidalumat na aral na pabaon ng pagtitipon. Nawa'y idambana at mas maging maalab pa ang ating pagmamahal sa Wika, Kultura at Sining sa iba't ibang larang lalo't higit sa larangan ng pananaliksik,” pagbabahagi ni Guerrero sa isang panayam. Kabilang din sa mga naging tagapagsalita sa naturang kumperensiya ang direktor ng Sentro ng Wika at Kulturang Filipino (SWKF) ng Catanduanes State University (CatSU) na si Dr. Jovert R. Balunsay, na nagbahagi ng kaalamang ‘Filipino sa Global na Aspekto.’“Isang karangalan at kasiyahang makapagbahagi ng kaalaman sa wikang Filipino sa harap ng mga kalahok ng Lirip 8. Nais nating itampok na may espasyo ang wikang Filipino sa pandaigdigang pagtitipon kagaya nito,” sambit ni Dr. Balunsay. “Pinatutunayan ng aking panayam na ang Wikang Filipino ay wikang global na kayang makipagsabayan sa iba pang wika ng daigdig,” dagdag pa nito. Nakasama ng SWKF direktor sina Dr. Gregory S. Ching ng National Chengchi University, Taiwan, at Engr. Abdon M. Balde, Jr., isang manunulat at mananaliksik sa Rehiyong Bikol. Maliban kay Guerrero, lima pang mag-aaral na nagpapakadalubhasa sa Filipino mula sa Kolehiyo ng Edukasyon ang naglahad ng papel ng kanilang pananaliksik sa naturang kumperensiya. Kabilang dito sina Adnrilyn Soner, Laurence Vicente, Melody Oclarino, Danica Temena, at Jessa Mae Tapel. Naglahad din ng kani-kanilang pananaliksik ang dalawa pang propesor mula sa Departamento ng mga Wika na sina Dr. Susan S. Tindugan at Prop. Ma. Sofia S. Llaguno. Lumahok din sa nasabing pagtitipon ng mga guro, manunulat, tagaplanong pangwika, at iskolar ng iba’t ibang larang mula sa iba’t ibang rehiyon ng bansa, ang mga senior students ng CatSU na kumukuha ng Batsilyer ng Sekondaryang Edukasyon Medyor sa Filipino. Ginanap mula Hulyo 26-28, 2024, ang pandaigdigang kumperensiya ay may temang, “Filipino: Wika at Larang na Handa sa Hinaharap” at inorganisa ng LUMINA Foundation for Integral Human Development (LIRIP) sa pakikipagtulungan ng Network of Professional Researchers and Educators (NPRE), Bicol University, Camarines Norte State College, CatSU, CBSUA, Sorsogon State University, at Unibersidad ng Timog Mindanao.
Over 600 students, along with 30 teaching and non-teaching staff of CatSU Laboratory School kickstarted the S.Y. 2024-2025 during an orientation on August 5 at the university gymnasium.Principal Prof. Joerandy C. Tablizo, in his welcome address, emphasized the importance of embodying values such as respect, honesty, and perseverance, encouraging students to become role models for their peers and sources of inspiration for their community.Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gemma G. Acedo expressed her appreciation to the students and parents for choosing CatSU LabSchools for their basic education. She also stressed the importance of making sacrifices to achieve their goals.Pinning hopes on the power of collective effort, College of Education Dean Dr. Maria Sheila R. Gregorio urged the CatSU LabSchools community to shift their focus from individual goals to shared aspirations.CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, in his message to the Laboratorians, emphasized the university's commitment to providing quality education on the island. "At CatSU, our commitment to excellence in education ensures that every student receives the best possible foundation for their future, which they could get right here on the island," Dr. Azanza said.
The pioneering batch of enrollees of Catanduanes State University - College of Law (CatSU-COL) took their first step toward earning their Juris Doctor (JD) degree on Saturday, August 3, as they attended the ‘Pre-enrollment Orientation’ held at the JD Seminar Hall. Associate Dean Atty. Gregorio M. Sarmiento Jr. provided an overview of the academic policies, the JD program, and student conduct and discipline to the enrollees.University Registrar Marilyn Tejada addressed the admission and enrollment requirements, while COL Librarian Jinky T. Tejada discussed library policies relevant to the new students.In a video message, CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza extended his warm welcome to the pioneer batch of the University’s Juris Doctor program. “I’m truly very proud of all of you. Just like our dean, Atty. Gabionza, I look forward to seeing you all top the Bar Examinations. More importantly, I hope you will commit to serving the poor and fighting for every Catandunganon,” Dr. Azanza expressed.“Subscribe to the idea that those who have less in life, should have more in law,” he added. The event was attended by Dean Atty. Santiago T. Gabionza Jr., Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gemma G. Acedo, and Assistant Vice President Dr. Joseph G. Zafe.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗮𝘄 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 (𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗦𝗨) 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗲𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘁 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮 𝗯𝘆 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝘆. 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗼 𝗩. 𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗼𝗯, 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗧𝗜 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀, 𝗜𝗻𝗰.The donation, made possible by College of Law (COL) Dean Atty. Santiago T. Gabionza Jr., a friend of STI President Jacob, was received by Associate Dean Atty. Gregorio M. Sarmiento Jr., who acknowledged its significant contribution to the educational resources of COL.The enhanced internet connectivity, with average download speeds of 150 to 350 Mbps and the potential to reach 650 to 900 Mbps, alongside upload speeds of 20 to 60 Mbps, will facilitate easy access to learning materials, virtual learning options, and improved communication and collaboration. It will also create opportunities for professional development and support online classes.Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joseph G. Zafe emphasized the importance of the donation, noting that it will aid during hybrid classes allowed by the Legal Education Board (LEB) during this year's adjustment period. "This will greatly help during hybrid classes at COL. Faculty may opt for online classes, but the law students will meet in person in the classroom, with professors required to report in person at least thrice a semester," he explained.Pinning on high hopes and enthusiasm for the new internet capabilities, incoming law students said it will help them in their academic engagement and performance."The high-speed and low-latency attributes of Starlink are expected to facilitate uninterrupted access to digital educational resources, enhance the quality of synchronous online interactions, and support efficient data retrieval and transmission… optimizing both the scope and effectiveness of my academic engagement and performance," Marck John Eustaquio shared."As a pioneer of the College of Law and one of its beneficiaries, it will greatly assist my studies by enabling easier access to data and validation of information,” added Roy Caballero.CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza has been actively working to secure essential resources for COL to ensure the best quality education for its pioneer batch of 60 law students. Notably, he secured another set of Supreme Court Reports Annotated (SCRA) volumes three days ago from the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Law. Earlier in January, Dr. Azanza also secured donations of SCRA volumes and various law books from generous CatSU alum CPA Lawyer Jose Villanueva Cabrera and his wife, Atty. Lehua Lao-Cabrera.
Showcasing stunning creations made of eco-friendly materials like abaca fiber, the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) launched its weeklong Fashion Exhibit at the university lobby today, July 29, celebrating the creativity and talent of the university’s Garments, Fashion, and Design (GFD) students, alumni, and educators. Organized by the Center for Catandungan Heritage and the Arts (CCHA), the fashion exhibit will run until August 9, 2024, and offer a sensory journey as it features more than 30 garments with different unique and colorful designs. “Every piece is beautiful, and seeing them all evokes a sense of pride,” CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza expressed as he graced the event this morning. Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gemma G. Acedo also said that “these works are more than just products; they are our heritage and arts,” Among the highlights is the abaca-inspired costume worn by Ron Madrigal at the Ginoong Pilipinas 2024, which won Best National Costume, honoring the hard work of abacaleros and was crafted by Joven Añonuevo, a CatSU-GFD instructor, and Joshua Balbaderos, a CatSU-GFD student from Bohol.Another notable piece is an elegant Filipiniana gown created by GFD alumnus Julius Eric Cuison, which was recently featured on ABS-CBN News, transforming abaca fibers into a sophisticated fashion statement.During the exhibit’s opening, Añonuevo shared advice with aspiring fashion designers: “Pirmi natong pairalin ang puso at damdamin, bago ang isip, ta minsan sa isip, diyan may halong inggit.” Dr. Azanza expressed hope that these creations will gain further exposure through the university's official social media channels and publications like The Herald and The CatSU Statesman. “All these unique and beautiful pieces deserve to be seen by the world, as it speaks about the Catandunganon culture and arts. It represents who we are,” he concluded. According to CCHA Director Francis B. Tatel, the creations on display will also be featured in an upcoming fashion show next month.
